Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook. Stat Staff, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • This blend is absolutely amazing.
    Footwear News, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
  • These next-gen helicopters are going to be amazing.
    Omar Kardoudi May 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Depicting the Norman conquest of England 1100 years ago, the Bayeux tapestry is an astonishing 230 feet long and, according to the British Museum, features 58 scenes, each rendered in colored wool embroidery on flax.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 May 2026
  • McConaughey had just been asked about the future of Hollywood, given the astonishing advances of AI.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow, though, the concept feels miraculous every time.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
  • Unless Buium hits quickly, Rossi ascends greater than can be reasonably expected and Elias Pettersson’s career makes a miraculous turnaround, the likely declines of eventual 30-year-olds Boeser, DeBrusk, Hronek and Marcus Pettersson are a major factor.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • These are soccer’s two legendary, aging-yet-still-marvelous rivals, their fight against time adding a sentimental pathos.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
  • These marvelous, magical creatures that live in the ocean.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Athletes are always getting bigger, stronger, and faster, and doing ever more incredible things.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Rai’s incredible run continued with another birdie on 13, putting the 31-year-old in great position to make history for his nation.
    Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • When Mercury meets Uranus, a surprising option could make the road feel less fixed.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • Swapping in travel-size versions or better yet, pouring your go-tos into small reusable bottles, frees up a surprising amount of space and weight.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Present technologies offer stunning opportunities in this respect.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
  • That will cap a stunning reversal after the central bank maintained ultra-low rates—and even negative rates for several years—to fight deflation amid a stagnating economy.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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